Eft, Emotional Freedom Technique or Tapping - an Alternative Healing Therapy
About Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)
EFT or Emotional Freedom Technique, also known as Tapping Therapy, was developed by Gary Craig in the 1990's, in the United States.
The basic principles involved are those that are employed in acupuncture/acupressure, psychology and kinesiology (scientific study of human movement).
EFT Points
You can read my hubs about other alternative therapies at the links given below.
- All About Hand Posture or Hast Mudras
Hand postures or Hast Mudras in yogic parlance, is a complete science in itself, for good health. To find out more about this yogic hand posture therapy read on.... - Acupressure - Pressure Points Therapy
Acupressure is a totally safe, effective and a no cost, alternative health treatment, which one can do on himself. To know more, read on...
About EFT?
It is a psychological acupressure technique that not only benefits the emotional health of a person but heals physical disease as well.
It is much like the Indian AcupressureTherapy, with some minor differences like the location of the points, the self affirmations and the application method but in essence the principle remains the same.
These techniques help the emotional state of a person, that have been disturbed due to stress, personal problems, anxieties etc. These emotions are negative and disturb the mind and affect the emotions of the person.
These negative emotions act as a block in the body's energy system. EFT helps to unblock these emotions and free the way for a free flow of energy, leading to restoration of mind and body health.
EFT uses the fingertips to tap specific points on the head, face, chest etc, while the person undergoing the therapy is asked to focus or tune in to the specific disturbing emotion or feeling. Simultaneously, the patient is supposed to repeat certain positive affirmations while tuned in to the emotion.
The tappings may be repeated in the same seesion till the entire negative emotions are gone.
EFT can be done by oneself on one's own body or the services of a practitioner of this therapy can be taken.
EFT is done sitting in a chair.
Do The Negative Emotions Return Back?
The specific feeling or emotion for which Emotional Freedom Techniques are done returns very rarely. Although, it must be kept in the mind that there could be many more such emotions which will need to be resolved in seperate sessions.
How Is EFT Done - The Method
The emotional freedom technique involves tapping specific locations or points with the fingers, while repeating positive affirmations.
Knowledge of these locations and the method of tapping are simple to learn.
The traditional way has been to tap with the index and middle finger of either the left hand or the right. The points that have to be tapped exist on both sides of the body, so one can tap a combination of left and right side points in the body.
These days tapping is done by using all the fingers of each hand. The benefit of this method is that it covers a larger area being tapped and consequently more points being tapped. It also enhances the chances of the points being tapped rather than it being missed if 2 fingers were used.
There are more acupressure meridians on the finger tips than the finger pads and therefore the fingertips are preferred. However, it is to be ensured that the fingernails are trimmed enough so as not to cause injury while performing EFT.
The tapping has to be firm and solid yet not hard. Also, the fingers of each hand have to tap alternately meaning when one is tapping with fingers of one hand the other hands' fingers are resting and as soon as one finishes the other fingers start and this process is repeated.
Each point is tapped about 5-7 times or about the time it takes for 1 full breath.
The tapping is preferably started from the topmost point in the body and each subsequent tapping is done by going lower down. Though tapping can be done in any sequence the above method ensures that no points are missed as you are going down as it is easier to remember these points and the points that have been done.
Remember to remove watches and glasses before starting this procedure to avoid the electro magnetic and physical hindrance these things could cause as also to be able to tap at the exact points.
The Tapping Points
Following are the locations of the tapping points and their brief description:
Karate Chop Point
- Karate Chop Point
This is located at the middle of the fleshy part on the outside of the hand.
On Top Of The Head
- On Top Of The Head (TH)
It is in the center of the head.
Eyebrows
- Eyebrows (EB)
It is located at the beginning of the eyebrows above the nose but to its either sides.
- Side Of The Eyes (SE)
They are located near the corner of the eyes.
Under The Eyes
- Under The Eyes (UE)
The location is below the eye sockets where the bone starts.
Under The Nose
- Under The Nose (UN)
Located between the bottom of the nose and upper lip.
Under The Chin
- Chin (Ch)
It is located in the center of the lower lip and chin.
The Collar Bone
- The Collar Bone (CB)
Located at the meeting point of the breast bone, collar bone and the first rib, on either side.
Under The Arms
- Under The Arms (UA)
Located at both sides of the body around nipple height.
Wrist Points
- Wrists (WR)
Located at inside of both the wrists.
Some Points To Be Kept In Mind
While tapping is performed positive affirmations are repeated. These affirmations are basically meant to acknowledge the problem and self accepting them.
It is interesting to note that though these affirmations have to be repeated during the therapy.
- It is not necessary that one believes in them. They just have to be said.
- A bit more emphasis or feeling has to be put into the saying.
- It can be said loudly or silently though saying it aloud is more effective.
The tuning in to the problem is the thought of the negative emotion, causing the specific problem, that one holds in the mind.
All negative emotions cause a block and disrupt the bodys' energy system.
Removing this block and making for free flow of the energy is only possible if this emotion/feeling that is blocking the energy is kept in thought while repeating the affirmations. Hence, tuning in to the emotions is an absolute must to a successful EFT session.
Time To Perform EFT
Emotional freedom technique can be done anytime of the day.
- In the morning upon waking up.
- Before having meals.
- When in the bathroom.
- Whenever you are free for a few minutes at office or home.
- Before going to sleep.
Issues That Have Been Resolved Using EFT
- Trauma/Abuse/Panic Attacks.
- Phobias.
- Stress/Anxieties.
- Depression.
- Drug Abuse.
- A number of physical ailments, like headaches, aches, pains, breathing problems etc.
- Weight loss.
Emotional freedom technique can also be applied to improve performance in the areas of sales, public speaking, performing arts, sports and other innumerable areas.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this hub is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your physician or health care provider before taking any home remedies, supplements or embarking on any new health regime.
Some of my other hubs on Alternate Therapies
- Oil Pulling And Its Health Benefits
Oil Pulling, also known as oil swishing, is one of the many ancient Indian Ayurvedic alternate therapies which have amazing health benefits. To know more about this simple, cheap and wonderful old world health practice, read on... - Sujok Therapy
Sujok therapy is an alternate therapy that has instant and seemingly miraculous healing effects. It can be used very effectively in our daily life. To learn more about the system of sujok therapy, read on... - Acupressure Therapy for Insomnia
Acupressure is one of the alternate therapies that can be used in insomnia treatment with success. To know how you can benefit from this pressure point therapy in insomnia, read on...
Emotional Freedom Techniques - By Gary Craig Himself
Overcoming Depression with EFT
Why EFT Works - A Scientific Explanation
© 2012 Rajan Singh Jolly
Comments
Like your articles they are indeed helpful...voted up !!!
I learned about EFT at a networking event some years ago. I have used it for headaches and it is quite amazing. Simple and drug-free which always appeals to me. Great info! Voted up, useful and sharing!
This is a great article on EFT. I only really got into EFT about 6 months ago when my publishing house published a book called No Problem - the Upside of Saying No on how to say "No" graciously by using EFT techniques. As such we would like to support you in your work as well.
This was a reminder for me to get back into tapping. I did it daily for a few months..and then got involved in other things. Bookmarking to go over again.
Thanks. The hub just reminded to restart EFT seriously. I have attended training programs and have the entire DVD set by Gary. Many times it has helped me. But the current practice is
quite minimal. I would start again!
I love learning about alternative methods of healing. And this is an interesting one. I think I have seen something related on the show "The Genesis of Healing" on Veria. They talked about how some believe that negative emotions and stress are held in different parts of the body and over years the accumulation can become painful or manifest in many different ways. So there are techniques to relieve the emotions and stress.
This is a very informative hub, I have had similar treatments, but never would have thought I could do it myself. You have explained and illustrated the basics of this therapy very well, so now we can all try it - many thanks for the info.
I use meridian tapping with voice students all the time. It helps wake up the mask area and reducing performance anxiety. And my research shows that the affirmations, while much more helpful, are not necessary to obtain benefit--so interesting to find this hub this morning. Thank you!!
wow...this is new to me.
Was familiar with accupressure but not this therapy. Will give it a try on myself :)
Thank you so much Rajanje.
You are the pandora of great information and am happy to be following you.
Wishing you a blissful year ahead...cheers!
voted up as interesing and sharing it across.
I've found EFT really helpful. One of the things I like about it is how you can learn it (quickly) and that you can be self reliant and use it whenever needed.
I had not heard of this before, how interesting Rajan! The power or tapping indeed. Thank-you for sharing about this subject, your hubs are so informative!
Can someone without the proper training actually use this technique? Or does it require a knowledgeable practitioner to become effective. Voting this Up and Interesting.
Coincidentally I have just been watching a video about a US army veteran with PTSD who has found relief with EFT. Several veterans are taking part in a study to examine the effectiveness of EFT. This video was part of world wide telesummit that has just been going in in EFT.
I don’t actually practice it much myself as I have another 2 processes that I find equally effective, but I do know several people who use it regularly and find it very helpful. And it did help me get over a fear of dentists!
A useful hub.
I really think if you believe you can achieve:) This sounds very interesting...I love how you have the actual Tapping points explained too.
The mysteries of the scientific ways the body works is fascinating!
27